Norwich

State Budget Director Robert Megna will be giving a power point presentation regarding Governor Cuomo’s new “Tax Free New York ” proposal for businesses that locate near SUNY campus’. The presentation will take place on the SUNY Oneonta campus in the Craven Lounge at the Morris Conference Center at 1:00 PM today.

The Otsego county health department will host a child safety seat check today in Oneonta. The event will run from 1:00 to 3:00 this afternoon at 256 River Street in Oneonta, parents are reminded to bring their safety seat manual to the event. More information is available at 547-4230.

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The American Red Cross announced that another Communities that Care Blood Drive is scheduled for Today from 12:00 Noon to 6:00 PM at the Howard Johnson’s, in downtown Norwich. Appointments are requested at 1-800-RedCross or at redcrossblood.org. All presenting donors will receive a coupon for Chobani yogurt, a FREE Red Cross tee shirt AND be entered to win a $200 gift card.

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This Weekend is Reunion Weekend 2013 at the State University at Oneonta, which starts today and runs through Sunday. Reunion Weekend 2013 is open to all alumni and friends of SUNY Oneonta, as well as to members of the community. More information is available at www.oneontaAlumni.com or at 436-2526.

The bills follow the research & work of a women’s coalition, that showed that women continue to be paid less for the same jobs performed by men, that they are often portrayed as criminals instead of victims of human trafficking, and that there continues to be a “Gray Area” with regards to the 1972 Roe Vs. Wade federal decision that allows for a woman to chose to have an abortion.

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Otsego county sheriff’s department investigators have determined that speed was a factor in a motorcycle accident on county highway 46 in the town of Milford Saturday afternoon. 49-year-old Shawn Cooper of Middleburgh died at Bassett hospital in Cooperstown shortly after he failed to negotiate a turn went into a ditch and overturned, he was ejected from the motorcycle. Cooper died from apparent internal injuries sustained in the crash, the investigation is continuing.

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The Norwich City Police Department announced that 19-year-old Michael Wilsey of Norwich has been found. Norwich Police had announced earlier today that Wilsey had been missing since Saturday; details have not yet been released, other than Wilsey was unharmed.

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James Vredenburgh of Afton also will need to register as a sex offender, following a recent guilty plea for promoting a sexual performance by a child. Vredenburgh was sentenced in Chenango county court Friday to 10 years probation with three months of weekend incarceration in the Chenango County jail.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 25-year-old Eileen Dickson of Walton for Criminal Possession of a controlled substance & Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle. Dickson was released on an appearance ticket and traffic summons to appear in the Village of Walton Court on June 11th to answer the charges.

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Leonard Vandermark of Greene was sentenced Friday in Chenango county court to 6 months in the Chenango County jail and 10 years probation for 1st degree sexual abuse. Vandermark was found guilty of having sexual contact with a girl under the age of 13; he will also be required to register as a sex offender.

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Attorney General Eric Schneider­­man filed a lawsuit against HSBC Bank USA and HSBC Mortgage Corporation for failing to follow state law related to foreclosure actions, putting homeowners at greater risk of losing their homes. Under state law, residential mortgage lenders, who sue to foreclose on a homeowner, are required to file a “Request for Judicial Intervention” with the county clerk, which allows the lender to attend a settlement conference within 60 days. HSBC is accused of ignoring state law; more information on the foreclosure crisis is available at AGHomeHelp.com.

State troopers at Sidney arrested 23-year-old Jonathon Parsons of Bethel for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. The arrest resulted from a vehicle stop in Bainbridge; Parsons was issued an Appearance Ticket returnable to the Village of Bainbridge Court on June 13th.

State Troopers arrested 32-year-old Chad Pedley of Harpursville, for Felony DWI with a BAC of .18%, Felony Aggravated Unlicensed Operation, and Failure to Use an Interlock Device. The arrest stemmed from a traffic stop on Interstate 81 in Kirkwood, PEDLEY was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Kirkwood Court on June 6th.

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Reality Check members at Delaware Academy did a walking tobacco audit of 4 tobacco retailers located in Delhi, They noted the type of ads on the outside or inside of the store, placement of ads, total number of ads and youth appeal marketing. “Big Tobacco in YOUR Community” is the name of the video of their findings; it will be released today, which also happens to be “World No Tobacco Day”. The video may be viewed on YouTube or at Reality Check’s Facebook page at facebook.com/realitycheckdos. More information is available at 518-255-5387

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State fair officials announced free concerts at the Great New York State Fair’s Chevy Court stage this summer. George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic will performing on Friday, August 23rd; Styx will perform on Sunday, August 25th; Vince Gill on Wednesday, August 28th; O.A.R. on Saturday, August 31st; Dickey Betts, from The Allman Brothers Band, on Sunday, September 1st and the Happy Together Tour with performers from The Turtles, 3 Dog Night, Paul Revere & The Raiders and Gary Lewis, on Sunday, September 1st. Grandstand concerts at the State fair this year will include Carly Rae Jepsen, Reba McIntyre, Toby Keith and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

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The Bullthistle Model Railroad Society, Chenango County Historical Society, and Northeast Classic Car Museum are participating in “Path Through History Weekends” and “I Love NY Museum Week”. The Path Through History Weekends will be held June 1st & 2nd and June 8th & 9th. The 3 Norwich museums will offer a 3-Museum Pass, with an admission ticket to each of the three museums for the discounted rate of just $11.

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The Sidney Central School District announced that they would hold their High School Graduation on Saturday, June 22, 2013 at 10:00am in the Transportation Center. There will be NO PARKING at the transportation center or athletic fields, with the exception of handicapped parking. All attendees should park in the high school parking lots where there will be shuttle buses available to take people there and back.

Ganesh Ramsaran pleaded “Not Guilty” to a grand jury indictment for 2nd degree murder this morning in Chenango county court in Norwich. Bail was increased to $500,000 cash bail or $1 million bond, Ramsaran was returned to the Chenango County Jail following this morning’s court action. Ramsaran is accused of killing his wife Jennifer last December, her body was found in a wooded area in February in Pharsalia.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies, acting on a complaint from security officers at Covidien Healthcare in Hobart, arrested a former Covidien employee for the theft and possession of Hydrocodone tablets from that manufacturer. 26-year-old Wayne Morse of Hobart was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, Petty Larceny and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property. Morse was issued Appearance Tickets in the Town of Stamford Court on June 11th.

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The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office arrested 19-year-old Renee Towndrow for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. The Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division and City of Norwich Police arrested Towndrow following a traffic stop in the City of Norwich; she was found to be in possession of a Narcotic. Towndrow is scheduled to appear in the City of Norwich Court at a later date.

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State DOT Officials report that Motorists are advised that Chenango Street between Moffatt Avenue and Sturges Street will be reduced to single lane alternating traffic controlled by flag personnel starting today, through Friday afternoon. Construction crews will be working to remove the bridge over Chenango Street; Drainage work will also be performed. Also, bridge steel will be placed on the new bridge over I-81 southbound beginning at 6:00 tonight until 6 AM, each night through Friday morning, May 31. I-81 southbound will be reduced to one travel lane.

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Last week’s fire at the Cooperstown All Star Village baseball camp in Oneonta is considered suspicious, fire damaged 4 separate buildings at the site early Friday morning. Employees have been cleaning up the sites in preparation for the camp opening on June 8th; about 5,000 are expected to participate in programs at the camp this summer.

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The Otsego County Planning Department has teamed up several organizations to bring energy efficiency information to homeowners, small businesses, and non-profits. A workshop is scheduled for tonight from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at the town of Hartwick Community Center, 450 County Road 11, Spokesperson Solvei Blue explains:

(Solvei Blue 5-28-13)

Since the workshop series began, over 20 Otsego County residents have applied for or been approved for a free home energy assessment through NYSERDA’s Home Performance with Energy Star® program. The next workshop will take place in Worcester, on June 20th, at the Worcester Historical Society, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 56 year George Pliauplis of Walton on A County Court Arrest Warrant for failing to appear as scheduled on May 14th. He was arraigned before Judge Becker and remanded to the Delaware County Correctional Facility where he will be held until further court proceedings.

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The 51st general Clinton canoe regatta was held this past weekend, with the 70-mile endurance races on Memorial Day. The high river made for faster times for all paddlers, Duke Fisher of Bainbridge, was excited to get his 20-th finish with his 15 year old son Buddy.

(Duke Fisher News 2013)

It was Buddy’s first 70-mile race, and he told WCDO why he chose this year to do it:

(Buddy Fisher News 2013)

The 2nd class of the Canoe Regatta Hall Of Fame was inducted on Saturday, including Ken “Doc” Benson, who was a 40-year regatta volunteer & Coordinator. His Daughter Tracy Smith reacted to the honor:

(Tracy Smith News 2013)

Over 1200 paddlers from 22 US states & Canada participated in the 4-day regatta.

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Pro canoeists Andy Triebold of Michigan and Steve Lajoie from Quebec won their 5th consecutive pro 70-mile race at the general Clinton Canoe Regatta yesterday. Lajoie said why he thinks they are so successful:

(Steve LajOIE News 2013)

Both paddlers told WCDO’s Craig Stevens that they planned to race with each other in the future:

(Triebold-Lajoie News 2013)

The pair finished the race in 6:36:55, just 19 seconds slower than the all time record set by Serge Corbin & Bruce Barton in 1990.

Sidney – Parade to form at the Moose Club parking lot on East Main St. at 8:15AM with a brief ceremony in Prospect Hill Cemetary. A ceremony will be held on the lawn of the Sidney Memorial Public Library. Guest speaker with will be Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak.

Sidney Center – Parade will form at 10:30AM at the corner of routes 23 & 35. Proceed to the former site of the Methodist Church for the service and then to the cemetary.

Masonville – Parade will begin at about 12:00pm. Sidney High School Band to arrive about 11:45am. Following the parade, there will be a chicken BBQ.

Guilford – Parade line up at 7:30am at the end of School St. moving out at 8:00am. Ceremony to be held at the park on route 35.

Afton – Parade starting at 10am at the corner of Main st. and Pleasant St. The Afton VFW Post 3529 will be holding a pancake breakfast from 7a-11a at the VFW on Main. St.

Bainbridge – There will be no parking on Main St. during the parade! Parade will form at 10am at the Greenlawn Cemetary and start off at 10:30am. Military services will be held at 10:15 AM.

Unadilla – Services and ceremony to start at 10:30am at the Community House, following by a parade and proceeding to Evergreen Cemetary.

Otego – Parade to form at the American Legion Field at 8am

Oxford – The wreath laying ceremony and rifle salute will be held at St. Joseph’s Cemetary. Following at 9am, the parade will line up at the Oxford American Legion Post #376. Following the parade and ceremony, there will be a chicken BBQ at 11am.

Gilbertsville – Parade will form in front of the former school on Grove St. at 9am

Franklin – Parade begins at 11am at the American Legion and proceeds to the cemetary.

Oneonta – Parade at 10am followed by the dedication ceremony at Neahwa Park Memorial Walkway at 11am.

Norwich – Parade followed by memorial ceremony at 10:15am in the park.

Delhi – Parade to begin at Courthouse Square and ends at the American Legion at 11am.

With the increased demand by New York Yogurt manufacturers for local fresh milk, state lawmakers are working to help dairy farmers increase the size of their herd without incurring former costs associated with environmental impact studies. Assemblyman Bill Magee explains:

The news comes as a German manufacturer is looking to locate another yogurt plants in western new York, that will also require more fresh local milk from New York dairy farmers, new York already leads the nation in yogurt production.

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The General Clinton canoe regatta grounds will feature a day filled with music at general Clinton Park Sunday, regatta chairman John Harmon explains:

(John Harmon Music)

Harmon said that the fireworks displays are also expected to draw big crowds, the displays will start each day as darkness falls, at about 10:00 PM.

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The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce announced a New Memorial Day Weekend Event in Bainbridge Saturday from 9:00 to 3:00 PM. Chamber Vice President Lori McGraw explains:

(Lori McGraw 5-22-13)

McGraw said that there would be community wide yard sales throughout the village, Saturday in addition to all the activities at General Clinton Park during the canoe regatta.

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Governor Cuomo today announced an agreement between New York State and the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe to resolve a three-year dispute over gaming issues. Under the agreement, the State will remove the 8-county Saint Regis Mohawk exclusivity zone from the proposed casino-siting legislation, and the Tribe will pay $30 million of payments owed and 25% of future gaming revenues to the State. The agreement also initiates discussions between the State, the Tribe, and local governments to resolve unrelated land claim disputes.

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State Senator Jim Seward paid tribute to Kenneth Taylor of Franklin as a 2013 inductee to the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. Sergeant Taylor served as team leader of 6-man long range reconnaissance patrols in Vietnam, he earned the Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Air Medal. Sergeant Taylor returned to home & served as a 45 year member of American Legion Post 1689, along with the Vietnam Veterans of America and the Disabled American Veterans in 2005. Taylor was recognized during a special ceremony at the Capitol along with other inductees to the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame, his biography along with other inductees can be found at www.nysenate.gov/veterans-hall-of-fame.

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The Bainbridge village board has decided to have “No Parking” on North Main Street to Evans on Monday, during the Memorial Day parade. The parade is expected to run from 10:30 to Noon Monday.

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The next Commerce Chenango Business After Hours event will be today FROM 5:00 PM TO 7:00 PM at M&T BANK, 118 State Highway 320 in Norwich. Refreshments will be courtesy of the North End Deli.

School district budget votes will be held tomorrow throughout the state, with many of the districts also voting on school board seats. Most of the area school district are proposing budgets that come in at or under the state’s 2% tax cap. Locally, Afton, Charlotte Valley, Edmeston, Franklin, Laurens, Milford, Norwich, Oxford Unadilla Valley, Unatego & Walton are asking residents to pass budgets with total spending more than 2% above last year.

State Police in Deposit arrested 21-year-old Onif Chamberlain of The Bronx, for Unlawful Possession of Marijuana. Also arrested was 20-year-old Gregory Ewer of The Bronx for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. The arrests resulted from a traffic stop on State Route 17 in Hancock; both subjects were issued Appearance Tickets returnable to the Village of Hancock Court on May 22nd.

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State Police at Oneonta arrested 20-year-old John Rundblad Jr., of Worcester for Driving While Intoxicated with a BAC result of .13%. The arrest resulted from a traffic accident in Westford; Rundblad was issued tickets returnable to the Town of Westford Court on June 4th.

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Police in Delhi & Walton are investigating alleged threats to the Delhi & Walton school districts Friday there was no actual incidents based on the Internet posted threats, both schools remained on lockdown, and police presence was beefed up at dismissal times. Franklin also went on lockdown for a short period at dismissal time, to insure the students’ safety, even though they were not mentioned specifically in the Internet threats. The investigations are continuing.

The 2nd annual Music & Balloon festival will be held on July 4th at the Chenango county fairgrounds in Norwich. Spokesperson Debbie Bowers explains:

(Debbie Bowers 5-20-13)

Bands scheduled to perform include Woodshed Prophets, The Beadle Brothers, and The Jason Wicks Band & Cassidy Lynn.

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The Women’s Fund, of the Community Foundation for South Central New York, is accepting grant proposals for amounts of $1,000 to $4,000 from qualified organizations in Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego and Tioga counties. Funding is available for projects or programs to improve the well being of women and/or girls throughout their lives. The Deadline is Wednesday, July 10th by 4:00 PM, in Foundation offices; application guidelines are available at donorswhocare.org. More information is available at 772-6773.

Chenango county sheriff’s department arrested Ganesh Remy Ramsaran of New Berlin, in connection with the murder of his wife Jennifer, who was reported missing December 11th of last year by her husband. Jennifer Ramsaran was found dead in February in the Town of Pharsalia in a wooded area. WCDO will have further details as they become available.

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The State Office of Emergency Management continues to monitor effects of the earthquake that occurred this morning near Ottawa, Canada, and was felt throughout parts of New York State. There have been no reports of damage to any of the state’s critical infrastructure. No injuries were reported.

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Mollianna’s Mission is holding their 2nd Annual Family Day Festival tomorrow at General Clinton Park in Bainbridge. The event starts at Noon with musical acts, arts & crafts, vendors, with the full schedule at familydayfestival.org. There will be a parking charge with the proceeds going to Mollianna’s Mission, according to mission spokesperson Melissa Matthews:

(Melissa Matthews 5-17-13)

Mollianna’s Mission Inc. was recently designated as a “not for profit incorporation” that assists families financially with the costs associated with lost pregnancies or infants.

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Tomorrow is Armed Forces Day & the Sidney American Legion, is serving a free meal to all area military veterans, with a chicken barbeque dinner. Legion Spokesman Larry Halbert explains:

(Larry Halbert 5-17-13)

This event will start at Noon; more information is available at 563-8031.

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Governor Cuomo asked pro gas groups to do more to allay the fears of the public with regard to misconceptions about natural gas development. The Joint Landowners Coalition of New York will host an event regarding water & health issues & the state proposed gas-drilling regulations, at the Legislative Office Building in Albany, on Thursday, May 30th from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm. A panel discussion with gas drilling & health experts is scheduled, followed by a question & answer period.

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The Chenango County Sheriff’s department arrested 51-year-old Denise Wells of Bainbridge for Driving While Intoxicated. Deputies responded to the report of an intoxicated woman who had driven to a Norwich business. Wells was released on appearance tickets and is to appear in the Town of Norwich Court at a later date.

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The Chenango county sheriff’s department arrested 39-year-old Cheryl Hoxie of New Berlin for 3rd degree Forgery and Petty Larceny. Hoxie is accused of forging a signature on checks that she had stolen, and cashed them at local banks, she was released on appearance tickets and is to appear in the Town of New Berlin Court and the Town of Norwich Court at later dates.

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The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office arrested 31-year-old Jason Ransford on a charge of 2nd degree Harassment issued by the Town of Stamford Court stemming from a domestic incident. Ransford faces court action at a later date.

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The Bainbridge girls scout service unit 365 is having their semi annual community giveaway tomorrow from 9:00 AM to noon at the Greenlawn elementary school. Area residents are invited to donate gently used items tonight from 6:00 to 8:00 or tomorrow morning from 8:30 to 9:00 AM. All items will be free; more information is available at 267-2378.

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Paterson’s people will host the 2nd annual charity fun run to support the American cancer society’s relay for life. Registration will begin at 10:00 am Saturday at the Rockdale Hotel followed by the fundraiser ride through Chenango & Otsego counties. More information is available at lcerver@yahoo.com.

On May 18, 2013, the Northeast Classic Car Museum will present its new exhibit, “Wagons & Woodies: From Depot Hack to Station Wagon.” Nearly 20 classic vehicles will be displayed and will showcase the evolution of the station wagon from the early days of travel through the iconic styles of the 50s, 60s, & 70s. This special exhibit will run through April 2014, and The Northeast Classic Car Museum will show an original, unreleased documentary film, “Wagon masters” from May 18th through Labor Day. More information can be found at classiccarmuseum.org or 334-2886. Information about the Wagonmasters film can be found at wagonmastersthemovie.com.

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The Chenango County Fair grounds along with Millennia Entertainment recently announced Country music singerJamie O’Neal would headline the 5th annual Guitars Under the Stars show. Tickets go on sale today at Hayes Office Products in Norwich, Video Entertainment Plus in Sidney and online at brownpapertickets.com for this summer’s show in Norwich.

The Chenango County Sheriff’s Department Arrested 55 Year old Bruce Gregory of Afton for 3rd degree Assault. Gregory was arrested following an investigation into a domestic dispute where the victim received a broken wrist. Gregory was arraigned in the Town of Bainbridge Court and was released on his own recognizance, he will appear in the Town of Afton Court at a later date.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies investigated a 1 car Property Damage accident Thursday at the intersection of Arbor Hill & Sherwood Road in the Town of Delhi. 18-year-old Jeffrey Zayas of Westtown lost control of his vehicle and slid backwards into a guardrail. Zayas was issued tickets for Speed Unreasonable or Prudent and Improper Left Turn.

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The Chenango county sheriffs department arrested 47-year-old Anthony Devivo of Afton on an active arrest warrant for 2nd degree Menacing. Devivo was arrested during a traffic stop on Rounds Road in the town of Oxford, he was wanted for allegedly displaying a weapon during an altercation at his residence, a warrant was issued for his arrest out of the town of Afton court. Devivo was arraigned in the Town of Afton Court and is being held on $2500.00 cash bail pending action in the Town of Afton court at a later date.

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Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 35-year-old Timothy Bennett of Walton on a Criminal Summons for 2nd degree Aggravated Harassment. It is alleged that Bennett sent harassing and threatening text messages to another person, he was released & will appear in the Town of Walton Court on May 22nd to answer the charge.

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Motorists are advised that bridge steel will be placed on the new bridges over the Chenango River on State Route 17 westbound and Interstate 81 southbound today, as part of the Ongoing Kamikaze Curve construction project. The bridgework will begin at 7:00 AM daily today through Friday.